PM Modi becomes 1st Indian PM to visit Guyana in 5 decades, gets grand welcome
In an unprecedented move, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The two leaders shared a warm embrace, followed by dignitaries presenting a floral bouquet to PM Modi.
by Akhilesh Nagari · India TodayIn Short
- PM Modi receives a warm welcome by Guyana's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali
- Bilateral talks and India-CARICOM meeting planned
- PM Modi's visit aims to strengthen India-Guyana ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years. He was greeted by a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour as he arrived at Georgetown.
In an unprecedented move, Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The two leaders shared a warm embrace, followed by dignitaries presenting a floral bouquet to PM Modi.
PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and is slated to address Guyana’s special parliament session.
PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM meeting with the Prime Minister of Grenada. CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, works to enhance economic cooperation and integration in the region. There are 21 countries, of which 15 are Member States and six are Associate Members.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi, in a statement, said that he will be paying respect to one of the oldest Indian communities, who migrated to Guyana more than 185 years ago. “We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values,” he said.
The visit aims to strengthen ties between India and Guyana and explore regional partnerships.
India’s Ambassador to Guyana, Amit S. Telang, described the visit as a milestone in the relationship between the two countries. “After 56 years, this visit represents the strong friendship and cooperation that have grown over time,” he said.
India and Guyana collaborate through a bilateral joint commission, last held in 2008, and periodic foreign office consultations, the most recent in 2011. Cultural exchanges and a joint business council, established between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), further strengthen their ties.